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Laminate flooring mimics the look of traditional woods while
offering easy installation and lasting durability. At first
glance, it can be difficult to spot the difference between
hardwoods and laminate flooring. What appears to be a natural
wood grain pattern is really a thin layer of decor paper (a
photographic image) under a tough-as-nails protective film that
is glued and pressed to a high-density backing board. Laminate
Flooring comes in an array of wood effects as well as stone and
ceramic effects.
Laminate floorings main advantages are that it is easy to
install, is very hardwearing and relatively inexpensive compared
to real hardwood flooring.
Laminate flooring is a floating floor, which means it does not
fasten directly to the sub-floor. Instead the planks are clicked
together. This enables the floor to be fitted fast and with no
real mess.
Laminate flooring has been around in Europe for around 15 years
and has seen massive growth in the past few years. In 2004 over
750 million square meters of laminate flooring was sold
worldwide this was an increase of 13% on the previous year. The
biggest growth market is in the US with an impressive growth
rate of 25%.
What is laminate Flooring Made From?
Laminate flooring is made up of four layers.
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The bottom layer is
the stabilizing layer; this is what gives the laminate floor its
stability. It is made up of moisture resistant resins
Above this there is the core layer; this is made up of high
density fibreboard (H.D.F.). This is saturated in resins to make
it extremely hard. Most manufactures also add a moisture
resistant resin to the core. This is important as it helps keep
the flooring protected against moisture penetrating the boards.
On top of the core layer is added a high strength paper along
with the decorative paper. It is this decorative paper which
gives the laminate flooring its individual appearance, ranging
from highly authentic wood reproduction, ceramic or stone
designs.
The top wear layer is provided by the melamine resin, a highly
wear resistant material that makes laminate flooring so hard
wearing. This top layer is very similar to the top layer on
counter or kitchen work tops but is usually around 40% stronger.
This makes the laminate flooring highly resistant to scratches,
burns, dent's, stains, etc.
There are a lot of laminate flooring manufactures who have
products in the market place, each saying theirs is the best.
Our advice is to stay with the leading ones these are
QUICK-STEP, ALLOC, PERGO, BRUCE, and KRONOTEX.
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